The story of the persistent widow in Luke 18 is amazing. She kept coming back to the Judge day after day until she wears him down and he finally relents and finally gives her justice. Jesus says that even in the natural realm this kind of dogged persistence will succeed though the Judge “did not fear God, and did not respect man.” (Luke 18:2)
Then he reminds his listeners that God isn’t like that unrighteous Judge. “Now shall not God bring about justice for His elect, who cry to Him day and night”? (Verse 7) Persistence will win out. But Jesus ends the parable with a curious statement. He laments; “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (Vs 8) Why did he say “faith” instead of “persistence”? Shouldn’t it be; “Will He find persistence on the earth?”
Isn’t this whole thing about being persistent in prayer? In God’s eyes, persistence equals faith. That realization is a big shot of encouragement! There are times when one feels that his faith for a particular issue falters but if you persist, God sees it as if you had all the faith in the world. If you’ve been praying for something for a long time don’t stop. When the Son of Man calls to you, will he find faith in you?
